On the Military Significance of Gongjianshou in the Northern Song Dynasty

During the Northern Song Dynasty,the Song Xia war brought out one kind of militias Gongjianshou(bowman) at the borders of Song part.It played a crucial role in that war.Its military significance can been seen on many aspects: defending homeland,cultivating the frontiers,fighting in the battle,building military fortifications.Besides,Gongjianshou showed its great value in the efforts to support the war in economical terms.Such militia system not only effectively defended Song soil against the invasions and raids from Tangut and Khitan troops,but also had a far-reaching influence on Song's counterparts' militia system.